Hunter plays a full season
To say things have been frustrating for Danielle Hunter over the last two seasons would be understating things slightly. The stud defensive end’s career has come to an abrupt halt thanks to some troubling luck with injuries that restricted the former third-round pick to just seven games over the last two seasons at a time when the Minnesota Vikings needed him more than ever.
Thankfully, Hunter and the Vikings came to an agreement to ensure his stay this offseason. The coaching staff needs to monitor his output closely, but all signs point to the LSU product being free of complications heading into the campaign.
This is encouraging, but no more than that. What’s important for Hunter is stringing a prolonged run of games together and getting back to the form that saw him become one of the league’s most feared pass-rushers.
If Hunter can accomplish this and free-agent signing Za’Darius Smith enjoys a renaissance in a different environment, this could be one of the most prolific edge tandems anywhere in the NFL. However, the onus will also be on coaches to maximize their production while keeping them fit and firing.
It promises to be a complex riddle for the Vikings. But if Hunter can play a full season and cause the havoc we all know he can, then the sky’s the limit.